photo via RobWasserman.com

Rob Wasserman, master bassist and collaborator to many, mostly notably Bob Weir, with whom Wasserman founded RatDog in the mid-90s, passed away today. Earlier in the afternoon, Weir revealed that his longtime friend had been hospitalized and was “facing a serious struggle.” Later, Weir confirmed that Wasserman had passed in another post:

I’m devastated to pass along that Rob Wasserman lost his struggle today, and we have lost a beautiful friend and artist. I can still hear the sound of his bow playing those strings unamplified and pure. It’s one of the most glorious sounds I’ve ever heard, and the music and warmth he gave us will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched.

Along with his musical relationship with Weir, which also included many duo performances, Wasserman collaborated with a slew of artists, including Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, David Grisman, Neil Young, Lou Reed, Branford Marsalis and more. His 1990 album, Duets, which was part of his Solo, Duets and Trios trilogy, was nominated for three Grammys and won one for his song “Brothers” with Bobby McFerrin. He also had recently played in the Keller Williams Trio. 

Read a couple reactions from Weir and Williams and watch a Wasserman and Weir duo performance below. 

One of the world’s most beautiful friends and artists has left us. May Rob’s warmth and music live in your hearts as it always has in mine.
— Bob Weir (@BobWeir) June 29, 2016